Dodgers News: Jimmy Nelson Out for the Season, Heading for Surgery
In an unfortunate turn of events, the Dodgers will lose right-handed pitcher Jimmy Nelson for the season. Today, the team announced that the reliever will have season-ending elbow surgery on his right elbow — unclear if it’s Tommy John surgery. Additionally, he’ll have surgery to repair his right flexor tendon. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The Dodgers activated Trea Turner & placed LHP Victor González on the injured list with right knee inflammation, retroactive to August 4. The Dodgers transferred RHP Jimmy Nelson to the 60-day IL as he will have season-ending elbow surgery & a right flexor tendon repair.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 7, 2021
This ends a fine comeback season for the 33-year-old veteran. Nelson signed with LA in the 2019-2020 offseason and missed last season with an injury. He re-signed with the club this past offseason and became a standout in the bullpen, when healthy. In 29 innings spanning 28 games, Jimmy has recorded a 1.86 record with 44 strikeouts against 13 walks in his first full season in relief.
For the Dodgers, the bullpen hits keep coming. Struggling reliever Victor Gonzalez was also placed on the IL with right knee inflammation and could be out for a bit longer than the minimum 10 days. He joins Edwin Uceta and, James Sherfy (likely out for the season), and Scott Alexander on the IL.
If you’re looking for healthy relief options, the Dodgers have Kenley Jansen, Joe Kelly, Blake Treinen, Phil Bickford, Garrett Cleavinger, Brusdar Graterol, Alex Vesia, and Darien Nunez in the bullpen. Moreover, Dave Roberts is hopeful for the return of right-hander Corey Knebel next week while the club is in Philadelphia.
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Terrible news regarding Nelson, but totally unsurprising.
Friedman rolled the dice on veteran pitchers who were trying to work their way back from serious injury and it has failed miserably.
Nelson, was really good for short bursts this season after his slow start but you held your breath that he could stay healthy.
Same situation with Knebel who’s been out months. He’ll be back soon, but I wouldn’t bet the farm that he makes it through September.
Price has mostly stayed healthy and may work out as a short term stop-gap SP’er but that remains to be seen and even he had the hamstring injury earlier this season.
Meanwhile, former Dodger Jake McGee has been great for S.F. and was just named N.L. reliever of the month and Dylan Floro has had a nice year for Miami. Oh well…”stuff” happens.
Another shocking development, not.